After I shared what I had learned with my construction princess, she acknowledged that I had reclaimed my title as DIY PRO. but there was one intsy, wincy, tiny little problem. “There’s this gorgeous log home for sale down by the lake just a few miles from here”, she purred. “And it doesn’t have a deck either, so you’ll be able to use everything you’ve learned when we build our new deck on that house after we buy it.” As I turned to slink away, she asked me where I was going. I answered that it was almost time for Oprah’s show and I needed all the help I could get.

• Light

• Time

• Noise

For the handy men and women of the world, ideas are probably already forming in your crafty heads for ways to tackle these areas of home security yourself. Do-it-yourself home security can be a very effective way to protect your family and your property without spending a bundle.

DIY Home Security: Light

Tonight, after dark, go stand in your yard. Look at is as if you are a potential thief. How dark is your yard? Are there shadowy patches near your door or windows? If you were a thief, would you feel relatively “safe” approaching your house?

If you discovered the answer to those questions is “yes,” don’t worry. As a do-it-yourselfer, there are lots of illuminating ways you can protect your home and family:

• Trim hedges and trees – especially those near doors and windows. Don’t give potential intruders an easy place to lurk. All the light in the world won’t eliminate the shadows cast by out-of-control shrubbery.

• Install motion sensor lights in your yard. For under $30, you can install a wireless, outdoor, weatherproof light designed to illuminate your yard anytime it detects motion. Whether it brightens the path between your car and your door, or casts light on a trespasser approaching your home, this do-it-yourself security device is well worth the money.

• Put your lights on timers when you go out of town. A house that sits dark day after day is a potential advertisement to thieves. For around $70, you can put your lights on timers and schedule them to turn on at various times of the day or night.

DIY Home Security: Time

Most burglars will only spend about 60 seconds trying to enter a home. Increase the time it takes to break into your home through some simple DIY techniques:

• Install dead-bolt locks on all exterior doors. Deadbolts are harder to pick and make it extremely difficult to kick down a door. For around $100, you can take security one step further with digital dead-bolts. These heavy-duty locks eliminate the need for keys – just punch in your access code to open your front door.

• Secure the locks on all windows. Most windows are designed to keep out the elements, not burglars. For about $3 a lock, you can replace your standard window locks with stronger sash-locks.

• Protect your sliding doors with a doorguard alarm. When wedged under the handle of your sliding door, this steel rod makes it very difficult (if not impossible) to open a sliding door. On top of that, a doorguard alarm emits a 120-decibel alarm if the door or door handle is moved – all for less than $30.

DIY Home Security: Noise

The final element to consider when tackling home security yourself is noise. If a burglar manages to creep through your well-lit yard, bypass your sturdy, time-consuming locks, and make it into your home, noise is your last line of immediate defense:

• Purchase a wireless alarm. Typically ranging from $200-300, wireless alarms systems are easy to install and ready to use. They don’t require programming and most of them include a piercing 110-decibel siren sure to wake the neighborhood and terrify intruders.

• Install an indoor motion detector. These security devices emit an alarm when they detect unauthorized motion inside your home. They’re easy to set up and easy on your wallet – a good motion detector costs around $120.

• Consider getting a dog. The ultimate in DIY home security noise is a barking dog. Not only is a dog a lovable member of the family, but it is also a great defense against potential intruders. Even a small barking dog is usually enough to deter a thief.

These are just a few of the many ways to secure your home yourself, without hiring professionals or spending a small fortune.

Four hundred dollars, two rotors and four brake shoes and pads later, (which was reasonable for the West Coast,thanks to a kind local mechanic), my daughters and I went over the basics of brake maintenance and recognizing key warning signs of brake problems.

First and foremost, get a four-wheel brake check every six months, regardless of whether noise is heard or any brake problems have been experienced. A good rule of thumb is when the car is taken in for the routine oil check or tire rotation, also run a check on the brakes.

A brake light will not come on unless a brake problem has worn into the drum. If the brake light has come on, usually the entire system needs to be replaced and the vehicle is a danger to drive. Not only have the shoes and pads been worn, but most likely the problem extends from the rotor into the drum. It is very expensive to repair the entire brake system.

Between checks these are some warning signs of brake problems:

1. Get used to the car. I tell both of my daughters, turn off the radio from time to time. Listen to the sound the car makes when you drive and when you brake. Also, feel the car. If the brake pedal feels mushy or gets harder and higher when you pump it, the brakes may need to be bled. (this means to get the air bubbles out of the lines)

2. If a high pitched scraping or squealing noise goes away when you step on the brake your brake pads might be worn. -only if the brake pads have sensors attached.

3. A grinding of metal against metal sound when braking indicates it is too late. The brake pads and shoes are gone. And now they are grinding into your rotors and soon into your drums. Stop driving the vehicle and get the car your mechanic. Sometimes they can smooth those rotors out if caught soon enough.

4. If the brake pedal goes all the way to the floor, the vehicle could need a new brake master cylinder.

Have a nice day!

1. Your cashier is your cashier, NOT, your:

a) Psychotherapist..I ask you how you are to be polite and make small talk. I don’t really want to know your dog died the day after your spouse left and the house burned down. It’s just awkward.

b) Babysitter.. If you can’t find a sitter, then at least know how to control your precious little offspring. They really shouldn’t be running amok throughout the store screaming at the top of their lungs, bossing you around while demanding candy, or down at the end of the conveyor belt squishing not only your groceries, but the person next to you.

c) Accountant.. I don’t’ know the prices of everything, and you should keep track of your spending as you go.

2. At some stores, you are asked for bags, it is to encourage consumers to RECYCLE, it is NOT:

a) A huge conspiracy to rob you of your precious hard earned money

b) A cash grab

c) The only way the company brings in its BILLIONS of dollars annually.

3. When asked if that was everything off your buggy, just answer yes, or no. And do check, people accidentally leave things there all the time!

Yes they do, really, it’s not another conspiracy to accuse you of shoplifting or to make you feel like a criminal….

4. Oh, really important, relating to the above? If you can’t hear your cashier, the proper response would be, “Pardon?”, NOT, EH?! HUH?! For example:

“Is that everything from the bottom of your cart?”

HUH? (accompanied by blank stare)

“Is that everything from the bottom of your CART?, sir”

ehh?! (accompanied by even more confused stare)

“Is that everything from the bottom of your buggy, sir” (trying hard not to sound irritated)

“No thanks, ma’am, I’m paying with cash….”

5. UMM, you gum smackers out there? If you MUST chew gum, DO IT WITH YOUR MOUTH CLOSED!

6. Oh, yeah, TAKE A SHOWER BEFORE YOU LEAVE THE HOUSE!

7. But don’t marinate in your favorite perfume.

8. The stupidest thing I see in my line of work? Parents who place their kids on the conveyor belt, (babies), then expect me to give their little

A lot of people nowadays are using sumps as a place to install either primary or additional filtration methods.

Examples of these are mud beds, deep sand beds and refugiums.

The trouble with installing a type of filtration in the sump is that accommodating this where equipment is also to be installed means that the sump needs to be modified in one way or another.

Aquarists are looking at creating DIY reef aquarium sumps so that this can be performed, and with patience is easily accomplished.

To make DIY reef aquarium sumps you will first need to plan and even draw what you hope to accomplish. Once this is done you need to obtain a basic aquarium of the relevant size as well as some glass or acrylic.

To make the required partitions you will need to cut the glass or acrylic. If you do not feel comfortable with cutting glass then a glass merchant will do this for you. Remember to take accurate measurements with you. When taking the measurements ensure that you leave a small gap between the partitions and the inner side of the sump.

Once the glass or acrylic is cut make sure that the edges are a clean cut. If they are not then it will be harder to attach them.

Now is where your patience will be tested.

For the next step you will require some aquarium sealant. Using a sealant gun place a bead around where the partition will be and gently push the glass or acrylic into place. The sealant should push put from around the sides – don’t worry about this at the moment. Check all the edges to ensure that there is enough sealant in place – we don’t want any leaks.

When you are happy that there is enough sealant in place leave the sealant to cure. Once cured you can use a sharp blade to tidy up the edges. Very carefully cut the spill over away, taking care not to cut into the core bead. Of course you do not need to do this if you don’t want to – some aquarists leave it as it is. Personally I like to make it as tidy as possible.

Once all the partitions etc have been created, and the sealant is cured and tidied up, fill the aquarium with water and check that it does not leak. I would recommend filling one partition at a time and checking for leaks – of course it does depend upon your design.

If you plan your design and take your time then you should hopefully be ok. If you do not feel comfortable at first why not practice on some old glass first.

DIY reef aquarium sumps are not that hard to make but the complexity of the design depends upon what you hope to achieve.

I am proud of my accomplishments. I am, in my mind, a man among men who can stand tall. Unfortunately, and I hesitate to sully my heretofore sterling reputation by mentioning this, not accomplished in one small area. Get your heads out of the gutter! I’m not talking about THAT! I am referring to the area of home-improvement. Yes that one place where most men will go to only when cornered by their wives. Oh those dreaded words uttered by the women we love as we are comfortably ensconced in our easy chairs watching a game or movie: “Honey, you need to fix this!”

“Oh God,” we mutter to ourselves! Why does she have to either discover, or even more dastardly a move,break something on purpose when we are, well, firmly ensconced. If any of you have never been ensconced, you probably can’t empathize with me.Take my word, being ensconced is rather pleasurable. But I digress.

“I”ll fix it later.I’m busy.” Is generally my response. My wife having been my wife for many years, isn’t taken in by that ruse. It is her firm opinion that even when I am truly busy, chances are it is nothing that is in any way,more important than anything she has for me to do. I could be giving blood to some poor hemophiliac, or out slaying dragons of one kind or another, or even answering the call of Homeland Security by eradicating the terrorist scourge in the world. Doesn’t mean a thing! I have to stop what I am doing and attend to her needs. Such was the case this one Sunday in February some twenty years ago.

My friend and I had just come back to my house for some refreshment when my wife came out to greet us. Smiling, she said, hi to my friend, gave him a hug and kiss, and casually mentioned to me that one of the heat registers in the living room isn’t putting out any heat. My response was: “Well that doesn’t

Nevertheless, when Home Depot opened across the street, I decided to check it out. Imagine my surprise when everything was too high for me to reach, still in the shipping boxes, and the shopping area was poorly marked and difficult to navigate. In Lowes, the direction signs on the ceiling are helpful and informative. Home Depot seems to think that you should already know what department your item will appear in, and what shelf it’s likely to be placed on.

I understand that Home Depot is geared more for contractors, and those familiar with do it yourself improvements. I guess my female shopper’s soul just likes the more retail oriented layout of Lowes. It feels more like the clothing store at the mall, and I’m comfortable with that. I guess I’ll be buying all my Christmas presents for the handyman in my life at Lowes this year!

When you think of bathroom renovation DIY projects that you can do, all plumbing and electrical work should never come to mind. Legally, only a licensed plumber or electrician can and should fool around with such equipment. If you plan out your bathroom renovation project in advance, you’ll have enough time to get a few estimates from plumbers or electricians. Getting it done right will save you a lot of money and stress in the long run.

The facts:

1. You are NOT permitted to do any electrical or plumbing work yourself.

2. You will need to check with your local council before doing any structural work yourself.

Next you need to ask yourself these questions:

- How big is the job?

- How long will it take?

- Do I have the time and skills to do it myself?

- Have I got the necessary tools to do the job?

Some of these questions will be easy to answer, e.g. you can hire the necessary tools. However when it comes to skills and time, think carefully. It may pay to break down the job into smaller jobs. Know what you can comfortably do versus what an expert can do. Reaching a compromise where you complete the finishing touches yourself may the most economical and personally satisfying method.

With that out of the way, if you are still keen to do it yourself you should plan your workflow so that you do things in the right order. You will also need to give yourself plenty of time because there’s a fair chance you will end up spending more time on the smallest room in the house. Now here’s another consideration: Do you expect to still be using the bathroom while you are doing renovations? If your answer is ‘yes’, then it’s a bad idea. If you haven’t got a second toilet or don’t have access to a shower then peace and harmony in the household will be stretched to the limit. Best to pack up the household inhabitants and send them off for a long weekend. You’ll get more work done and you won’t be hassled by someone looking over your shoulder thinking, “Do you know what you’re doing?”

Although you can’t touch the lighting or the plumbing yourself, that still leaves you with a lot you can do for bathroom renovation DIY projects. Since you are in the bathroom so often, you’ll want to make it as pleasing to your eyes as possible. You can tackle new cabinets, towel racks, door knobs, curtains or blinds, paintings or pictures on the walls, a new lick of paint and new towels to match. Remember with any bathroom renovation DIY project that you have vertical as well as horizontal space to express your creativity. Even getting a new wastepaper basket and toilet brush holder can change the look and feel of a bathroom. And don’t ignore the lights. Although you can’t do electrical work, you can install new color or softer lit light bulbs, which might relax your eyes, or put in a new light fixture.

Perhaps there is a theme or basic color scheme you want your bathroom to have. Since it’s a room you want to relax in, please don’t paint the walls in garish colors like neon yellow, no matter how cheap the paint is. Even “relaxing place” could be a theme you can build your bathroom renovation DIY projects around, with dark curtains, soft light bulbs, pale, gentle colors and a shelf to put a little rock garden or a bowl or potpourri on. Give yourself time. The beauty of bathroom renovation DIY projects is that you do not have to stick to a schedule.

As a practising obstetrician, however, I am never surprised by this. In my day to day work I am all the time encountering women at term who are otherwise well but who, after 40 odd weeks of pregnancy, just cannot wait for it to be over and done with. They are physically and emotionally drained and would happily swap that stress with the stress of looking after a fragile newborn.

It is an accepted medical scientific fact that by 37 weeks of gestation, a baby in the womb is technically at term and therefore functionally mature and able to cope with the outside world. That is true for the overwhelming majority. However, spontaneous labour may not occur for another three or four weeks, even more. For some, that is sometimes too much to cope with. It is therefore no surprise that these women clamour for labour induction.

There is almost total consensus among obstetricians and midwives that induction of labour before at least 41 weeks in the absence of a medical indication (fetal or maternal wellbeing) is not a good idea. This is for a number of quite valid and powerful reasons which are not the focus of this article.

So, what is the truth regarding do-it-yourself induction of labour at term? Is there a scientifically proven ‘DIY’ method that works?

METHODS:

• Spicy Food: This is stuff of folklore. There is belief that a food that is highly spicy will soon get labour going. Clearly this is based on the hypothesis that the uterus alongside every other part will be stimulated into contractions. Many might have achieved the ‘runs’ with this strategy but there is simply no evidence that it is an effective ‘natural’ induction agent.

• Acupuncture: There are a lot of claims on the effectiveness of acupuncture for induction of labour. However, this is bedevilled by the fact that the specific acupuncture technique is not standardised, the service is not properly regulated and availability is patchy in many places. This means it is difficult to evaluate and a Cochrane Review of studies on the method published in 2001 concluded that they were all poorly designed and therefore this remains unproven.

• Sexual Intercourse is another popular method that I have personally recommended to couples. Like many colleagues, I have done this partially because it is certainly harmless, may relieve some of the stress and, who knows, it might work! The logic behind this recommendation is the probability of facilitating a release of enough prostaglandins and oxytocin to get labour going. Prostaglandins are the natural chemicals that trigger labour onset and oxytocin is responsible for uterine contractions. Penetrative sex does stimulate prostaglandin release from the neck of the womb (cervix) and semen released into the birth canal contains prostaglandins. In addition, if the breast nipples are stimulated, oxytocin is released from the pituitary gland in the brain. So, the theoretical basis appears solid but actual scientific evidence that this works remains weak.

• Castor Oil: Ingesting this is claimed to stimulate the uterus lead to labour onset. Whilst this claim has been around for decades, there is actually no evidence that it works. Moreover, it can cause nausea, vomiting or even diarrhoea, not an attractive prospect for one heavily pregnant at the end of her tether.

• Reflexology: This suffers from the same weakness as acupuncture. Put simply, evidence of effectiveness in induction of labour is lacking.

• Zero balancing: In the US and Australia, alternative therapists offer ‘Zero balancing’. This is described as a “hands-on method of balancing body energy with body structure that integrates a Western anatomical view of structure with Eastern concepts into a Zero Balancing protocol”. This, strictly speaking, is meant to combat stress and therefore minimize the need for induction of labour.

• Hot baths: They may be good at relieving stress but there is certainly no evidence that they can help trigger labour onset.

• Herbal preparations: Many herbal preparations have been claimed to accelerate labour onset. These include evening primrose oil, red raspberry leaves extract, black cohosh etc. None of these have evidence to back up the claims. There is also the added concern that potential risks, dosage and drug interaction properties are not known.

In summary, whilst the concept of ‘DIY’ Induction of Labour may be attractive, reasonable and in the right conditions, harmless, there is no real proven effective method out there today that a woman can employ with confidence. It also remains true that even with the proven pharmacological induction methods that doctors use, if the cervix is assessed to be unfavourable, the risk of failure may be unacceptably high.